Clearwater Downtown Partnership

Why was the CDP formed?
The Partnership was formed to name, fund and implement projects that will assist the public and private sectors in creating a downtown district that becomes a regional destination. Read the CDP's mission here: http://www.clwdp.org/mission.html

Who are members of the CDP?
The CDP is comprised of downtown property owners, developers, concerned citizens and civic groups. It's a not-for-profit organization whose goal is to promote and foster the economic redevelopment of our downtown.

If you have any interest in the renaissance of Downtown Clearwater and would like to see it become a thriving hub of the Tampa Bay Area, then you should become a member. Click here to join: http://www.clwdp.org/membership.html

Which membership level should I sign up for and What benefits would I get?
The level of membership is totally determined by your level of involvement and interest in Downtown Clearwater.

CDP membership tiers are designed to reflect various levels of interest in and ability to support the Downtown Partnership.

In selecting a membership category, potential members are asked to consider the extent of their financial means, and the advantages to be accrued through accomplishment of CDP objectives.

Membership benefits are cumulative from "friend" level up to the category selected.

Membership in the Downtown Partnership (CDP) affords all those who benefit from the revitalized district - residents, businesses and visitors alike - the opportunity to support the organization that keeps it thriving.

Membership affirms key values and conveys an important sense of community. It is a vital, ongoing investment in our city's future. You can see all the membership levels here: http://www.clwdp.org/membership.html

If I have an announcement or a concern that I want to address to the CDP, where and who do I send it to?
Any announcements or concerns that you would like to voice to the CDP can be made via our info line at info@clearwaterdowntownpartnership.org with attention to Chairman, Dwight Matheny.

Or you can write to us at:
The Clearwater Downtown Partnership, Inc.
PO Box 396
Clearwater, Florida 33757

Will you give away or sell my email address or mailing address to other partners?
Your privacy is important to us. We will never sell or give away your information to any third parties. Periodically we will email news and updates of what is going on around Downtown to keep you abreast of redevelopment phases, local events and special meetings. Click here to go directly to our home page and subscribe to our e-newsletter: http://www.clwdp.org

Isn't there already a group that is working on the re-development of Downtown?
There are actually five groups that have a focus on downtown:

The Community Redevelopment Agency
The Chamber of Clearwater
The Downtown Development Board
The Main Street Program
The Clearwater Downtown Partnership

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a city entity that is defined by boundaries which include areas of the city that are designated as needing upgrading to enhance the quality of life for the residents and businesses. The Trustees of the CRA are made up of the city council members. City, State and Federal funds are used in this area. The CRA focuses largely on city owned property such as streets, sidewalks and infrastructure. It may also support the clearing of dilapidated properties and partnering with other federal, state and private sector entities to develop housing, community centers and business centers that will enhance the quality of life for the residents and businesses within the boundaries of the CRA.

The Chamber's roll is to inform its 1700 members about the business opportunities and support initiatives that enhance the business opportunities in Clearwater. While it does not have a sole focus on downtown area, it is a stake holder in downtown as a property owner that supports a vibrant downtown because it is good for business.

The Downtown Development Board (DDB) is an elected body comprised of downtown property owners, workers and residents. It is made up of seven elected officials who have been elected by the downtown property owners to be the stewards of the taxes that they pay to the DDB. The DDB is a funding entity, who supports actions that help in the revitalization of Downtown Clearwater. Their activities are directed by the city ordinances. The DDB is charged with promoting downtown and supporting events that bring people downtown, and other such activities as decided by the DDB and city council.

The Main Street Program is a special designation that requires approval from the State of Florida Main Street Program to form. Certain criteria need to be met to be selected. It has certain boundaries and targets programs that will help retain the uniqueness of the area by preserving its buildings, character and life style in a downtown setting. The official Main Street designation is awarded to those cities throughout the State of Florida and the United States that have a commitment to improve the quality of life on their main street.

The CDP is the link between the private sector and the city. We will work with the city and its resources to help get downtown redeveloped.

The CDP is unique in that it is an independent voice of property owners, developers and residents whose primary and only focus is the redevelopment and revitalization of Downtown Clearwater. With this private sector initiative, working together with and for the public sector, it is our belief that we can accomplish that which we have been looking for - a true downtown district that is a destination for the entire region.

The CDP Executive Board Members have a keen interest in the survival of Downtown Clearwater and some are also active as Board Members with the Chamber and the DDB.

I am a member of the Chamber. Does my membership there have benefits with the CDP?
The Chamber and the CDP do not have reciprocal memberships, but both entities do work together on projects important to the health of downtown.

How can i find out more about downtown developments?
You can find out more information on what is going on with the different downtown developments on our web site. We will post updates and information periodically. The CDP has enlisted the help of the different downtown developers in providing you with progress updates and pictures of the redevelopment phases.